How to Treat a Bulging Disk

Bulging Disk

The disks of your spinal cord are a very important part of your back's anatomy. Disks are cushiony, doughnut-like structures that sit between the vertebrae of your spine, working to protect your spine and help to keep it moving properly. However, if one of those disks becomes bulged, meaning its hard outer layer is bulging into the spinal canal, complications can occur. A bulging disk can cause pain or other problems such as nerve damage, indicated by numbness or tingling of the arms or legs. Contrary to what some may believe, a bulging disk is not a herniated disk. There is a difference between these two spinal conditions. According to the website of the Mayo Clinic, a bulging disk extends outside the space that it should normally occupy. The resulting bulge of this disk generally affects a large portion of it. In fact, the Mayo Clinic refers to this as resembling a hamburger that is too big to fit on the bun. A herniated disk, however, occurs when a crack in the disk's hard outer cartilage layer permits some of the soft cartilage inside to extend outside of the disk. Following is more information on bulging disks and their most common forms of treatment.Time and rest Time may not heal all wounds, but it seems to be an effective healer of bulging disks for many patients. Most people who suffer from a bulging disk actually recover within a few weeks, making time one of the best methods of treatment. During the course of recovery, sufficient rest is necessary, even vital, in order to allow the area to heal and for pain to relent. Many patients who have experienced bulging disks and even associated sciatica need no medical intervention at all in order for their bulging disks to heal. During this period of recovery, strenuous activity is out of the question if the back is to heal thoroughly and properly. Refraining from doing any kind of activity that includes bending and lifting, especially of heavy objects, is vital for full recovery.Physical therapy Another of the most common of the more conservative treatments of a bulging disk is physical therapy. Most physicians and spinal surgeons recommend some form of physical therapy in order for the back to heal properly from a bulging disk. This form of therapy typically is combined with other treatments such as rest and possibly pain medications. Physical therapy often includes a list of exercises that are right for the specific patient and his or her specific situation, such as stretching exercises as well as exercises that work to strengthen the areas around the affected disk. These exercises are designed to relieve pressure on the affected areas as well as to reduce inflammation that can cause pain.Medications Pain medications are often included in conservative treatments, especially over-the-counter medications such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), i.e. ibuprofen. For some patients whose pain is not relenting with rest and associated physical therapy, pain medications are necessary to relieve the pain and discomfort that can come with a bulging disk. If, however, over-the-counter medications are not sufficient for pain relief, your doctor may next recommend prescription strength pain medications or injections of steroid medications to reduce inflammation and thereby alleviate your pain.Surgical procedure Infrequently the above treatments are not enough for pain relief of a bulging disk. In these cases, a spinal surgeon or other qualified healthcare provider may recommend surgery. Surgical procedures typically are a last resort method for dealing with bulging disks, but they are necessary in some situations and for some patients. During surgery for a bulging disk, a spinal surgeon will remove a small portion of the disk in order to relieve the pressure that is occurring on surrounding nerves and other parts of the body. Most spinal surgeons recommend beginning treatment for a bulging disk with conservative measures. Method such as rest, gentle exercises, and over-the-counter pain medications can at times alleviate the pain that a patient is experiencing due to a bulging disk. There are instances, however, when such conservative measures are not sufficient to relieve the pain and other accompanying symptoms of a bulging disk. In these cases, a spinal surgeon may recommend a surgical procedure. This is why it's important to contact a spinal surgeon in your area to schedule a consultation. Don't continue to suffer with back pain that could be caused by a bulging disk. Have your pain diagnosed as soon as possible to avoid potential further complication.

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